AU and Somalia firm up troop numbers for new mission
Accordingly, the composition of AUSSOM troops will be as follows: Uganda (4,500), Ethiopia (2,500), Djibouti (1,520), Kenya (1,410), with Egypt (1,091) as a new troop-contributing country.
The ministerial-level meeting of the Somalia Operations Coordination Committee (SOCC) has announced the final composition of the troops joining the new African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The defence ministers' meeting also confirmed the departure of Burundi following a disagreement between Mogadishu and Bujumbura over the number of troops Burundi would deploy.
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AUSSOM is expected to comprise 11,900 personnel operating on the ground, including soldiers, police, and civilian support staff.
Accordingly, the composition of AUSSOM troops will be as follows: Uganda (4,500), Ethiopia (2,500), Djibouti (1,520), Kenya (1,410), with Egypt (1,091) as a new troop-contributing country.
This solidifies Ethiopia's continued participation in peace efforts in Somalia following a truce between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The meeting also finalised the liquidation of the mission's predecessor, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Discussions further addressed the financing of the two-month-old mission, which is facing funding challenges in implementing its operational strategies in the fight against the Al-Shabaab militia.
Addressing the meeting, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, noted that despite some encouraging developments, members' collective concern remains that AUSSOM's foundation is uncertain in the immediate future.
"It is a foundation that requires a more predictable operational framework. Therefore, there is a need to address outstanding financing for the mission," he said.
The mission is facing delays in implementing Resolutions 2719 and 2767.
"We must resolve the funding anomaly required for the first six months of AUSSOM—January to June. Addressing this must be done in parallel with preparing the groundwork for the readiness of Resolution 2719," he added.
Also of concern are legacy issues, such as members' continued fight against Al-Shabaab and other extremist groups.
"The legacy of AMISOM and ATMIS must endure. The AU’s contributions to stability in Somalia are well recorded. AUSSOM represents the next stage in the quest for post-conflict reconciliation and the development of Somalia. At the AU, we remain optimistic," he said.
The meeting further challenged Somalia to take the lead in efforts to address these challenges.
"A resilient Al-Shabaab must not be allowed to become resurgent. This necessitates careful planning for the transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM, ensuring there are no security vacuums and that the necessary logistical support is in place," he urged.
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